Burials Dedicated to the Old Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan, Mexico

Abstract

Excavations conducted during 1983 and 1984 at the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan, Mexico, encountered three important burials, including an extensive multiple burial with lithic, shell, and bone offerings. Various lines of evidence suggest that human sacrifices were being practiced on a large scale early in Teotihuacan's history. Moreover, the nature and content of the offerings demonstrate the importance of military aspects in early Teotihuacan society. In addition, other data from excavations at the Old Temple of Quetzalcoatl suggest that religious and political conflicts probably occurred since the time of its construction.